Education: Building bridges between individuals and countries The Australian Minister for Trade, The Honourable Simon Crean MP, discusses how international education has contributed to Australia’s engagement with the Asia-Pacifi c region and beyond. Australia is a world-class destination for overseas students seeking a quality education in tandem with a great lifestyle experience. Our world-class schools and universities are attracting the best and brightest students from across the globe. Education has clearly emerged as a powerful contributor to Australia’s engagement with the Asia-Pacific region. It is helping to forge the people-to-people ties which increasingly bind Australia to the communities across our region. These ties are delivering real and immediate benefi ts across the broad range of Australia’s social, economic and political interests. The Asia Link Index demonstrates that since 1990, Australia’s engagement with Asia has increased four-fold. This augurs well for our future in the region and refl ects the value of education in building bridges between Australia and our neighbours throughout the Asia Pacifi c and beyond. The Australian Government continues to invest in programs to equip Australian students with the language and cultural skills which are so critical to our effective engagement with the Asia-Pacific. Australia welcomes international students to our schools and universities. But we also encourage Australian students to reach beyond our shores to engage with the global community. The 2008 Times’World University Rankings placed seven Australian universities in the top 100. This is a tribute to the quality of Australia’s world-class education system. Our universities offer excellent teaching and research in science, engineering, medicine, law, the humanities and business. And in addition to our universities, Australia’s schools and vocational training system has emerged as a valued destination – particularly for students seeking English language and trade skills training. Australians are proud of our education system. Exports of education services make a significant contribution to our national wealth and prosperity. But its true value extends beyond trade and economics. Education is building the knowledge and understanding required to support the future growth and prosperity of Australia and our region. The Honourable Simon Crean MP Minister for Trade Australia: The Education Destination 7 Australia welcomes international students… we also encourage Australian students to reach beyond our shores to engage with the global community.